Direct shipping connectivity between Karachi and major European ports has been restored after Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) reinstated its PREMIUM IPAK service, offering relief to exporters who have been facing longer transit times and higher freight costs because of disruptions on international shipping routes. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the move was especially important for export-oriented industries, particularly textiles, which have been hit by delays linked to changes in shipping routes and the situation in the Red Sea.
Exporters get a direct route
Chaudhry said the reinstated service was the result of exporters’ demand for a dedicated Europe connection. Under the restored schedule, MSC will make a weekly call at Karachi Gateway Terminal International (KGTI), linking Karachi with key European destinations through Colombo, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway.
Higher costs and longer journeys
The minister said textile exporters had recently briefed him on the difficulties created by route changes, particularly those tied to tensions in the Red Sea. He said longer vessel journeys were pushing up transportation costs and delivery times for shipments to European and US markets, weakening the competitiveness of Pakistani exporters.
“The restoration of a dedicated Europe service is an important development for our export-oriented industries, particularly the textile sector, which has been facing increased transit times and logistics costs because of disruptions to international shipping routes,” Chaudhry said.
He added: “Exporters told me in a recent that longer vessel journeys were increasing transportation costs and delivery times for shipments to European and US markets. These additional costs and delays have affected the competitiveness of Pakistani exporters.”
Government says work will continue
Chaudhry said the government was taking up the concerns of the export sector with shipping lines and other relevant stakeholders to improve maritime connectivity and facilitate international trade. He said reliable and predictable shipping links were essential for Pakistan’s exporters and stressed that the maritime sector must support trade, reduce logistical bottlenecks and strengthen access to international markets.
“Reliable and predictable shipping connectivity is essential for Pakistan’s exporters. Our focus is to ensure that the maritime sector supports trade, reduces logistical bottlenecks and strengthens Pakistan’s access to international markets,” he said.
Ports seek stronger efficiency
The minister welcomed MSC’s decision to restore the PREMIUM IPAK service, saying the weekly Karachi call would give exporters a more direct link to European markets and improve planning for shipments. At the same time, he cautioned that the reinstatement should not be seen as a solution to the wider disruptions affecting global shipping routes.
“Disruptions to established shipping routes continue to have implications for global trade. We will continue working with the shipping industry and exporters to address connectivity and logistics issues and to strengthen Pakistan’s position in international trade,” he said.
Chaudhry also praised Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed and the management of Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) for helping restore the Karachi-Europe link. KPT Chairman Shahid Ahmed said measures were under way to further improve the efficiency of the maritime logistics system, adding that the restored connection would improve access from Karachi to key European markets and support exporters.
What happens next
The restored MSC service is expected to give Pakistani exporters, especially in the textile sector, a more direct and predictable route to Europe through Karachi. While officials say the move will ease pressure on freight and delivery schedules, they have also made clear that broader shipping disruptions remain unresolved and will require continued engagement with the maritime industry.
